I have classified the wildfires in the area into two categories, the older and the newer fires. The older fires began with the lightning storms that came through two Wednesday’s ago and ignited the Brewer, Akawa Butte, Box Springs, Rowe Creek Complex, Coyote and Henry Fires. This new batch of fires began with the lightning
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UPDATE: Officials have just provided an updated concerning the fires burning near Warm Springs, prompting evacuation notices:Bench FireAcres: 6201Containment: 0% Beachcomb FireAcres: 2352Containment: 0% Extreme and highly active fire behavior with wind gusts up to 29 mph on Friday pushed the Bench Fire over contingency lines to the east, removing the 20% containment that had
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Hot, dry weather, low humidity, and occasional gusty winds continue to keep fire danger very high across Central Oregon. With several active wildfires already burning, it only takes one spark to start another.Here are a few simple ways you can help protect our communities:Prevent human-caused sparks. Avoid mowing dry grass during the hottest part of
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Central Oregon is settling into a warm, dry stretch of weather this week. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s through the first half of the week before climbing into the lower to mid 90s by Friday. Nights will stay comfortable, cooling into the upper 40s and lower 50s.Fire danger remains the biggest
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Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The weather this weekend will not be favorable for fighting fires as the winds will be in the 15 – 20 mph range and gusts may reach 25 mph. The ground has dried out from the rain on Wednesday so the fuel on the ground will easily burn. Rapid fire growth
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual “Balloons Over Bend” event is taking place this weekend in Central Oregon, offering morning balloon flights and evening “Night Glow” experiences. Balloon launches are scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., with spectators able to watch the setup and takeoff from the field at Jewell Elementary School. The event
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Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The weather this weekend will not be favorable for fighting fires as the winds will be in the 15 – 20 mph range and gusts may reach 25 mph. The ground has dried out from the rain on Wednesday so the fuel on the ground will easily burn. Rapid fire growth
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two back-to-back missions this week, assisting injured and ill hikers in separate areas of the county. On Wednesday, July 22, a 58-year-old woman from the San Francisco area was rescued from Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park after
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority is investigating two Oregon residents who developed Cyclospora infections. These cases are linked to an ongoing multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak and a nationwide recall of pre-shredded iceberg lettuce products. The recalled products, subject to a voluntary recall on July 17, were not reported to have been distributed in
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members rolled up their sleeves Friday to honor the life and legacy of Redmond firefighter-paramedic Michael Kienzle by donating blood during a special American Red Cross blood drive.The event brought together family, friends, fellow firefighters, first responders and community members to continue Kienzle’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Organizers said
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Are you looking for something to do this weekend in Central Oregon? Kelsey Merison highlights three local events, from the return of Balloons Over Bend all weekend long to a free plant swap happening at the Deschutes Central Library. For many more and to submit your own events, visit https://events.ktvz.com.
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Here are KTVZ’s Sunrise Birthdays for Friday, July 24th. Happy Birthday! You can see more recent entries and submit an upcoming birthday to air at: https://ktvz.com/share/sunrise-birthdays/.
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) BrightSide Animal Center, Redmond’s nonprofit animal shelter, has a new ‘Dog Day Out’ program, where community members can take a shelter dog out for a day on the town. Whether it’s walking around your block, a relaxing afternoon at home, a hike on the trails, or an adventure around town–even a few hours
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The community of Sisters is rallying to support firefighters and residents affected by nearby fires. Local businesses Lucky’s Woodsman and Sisters Athletic Club are offering free services to those protecting the area and anyone displaced from their homes. These community efforts come as fires in the region are getting closer to
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Athletic Club opened its facilities today to offer free showers and Wi-Fi access to evacuees and firefighters displaced by the Akawa Butte Fire. The blaze continues to cause evacuations across Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. The club’s services are available to all evacuees, regardless of membership status and will continue for
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Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – Strong and severe storms crossing the Akawa Fire yesterday caused the fire to run east with aggression. The wind ahead of the fire stalled the southern flank progression but opened up the eastern flank in Deschutes County to expand rapidly. The heavy rain associated with the storms helped by wetting the
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The main academic building at Redmond High School will close for the 2026-27 school year after construction activities disturbed asbestos-containing materials, rendering portions of the facility unsafe to occupy. The Redmond School District is arranging modular classrooms on campus to deliver academic instruction for students. The high school’s gymnasium and Career
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(Update: adding EPA instructions) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire smoke continues to affect Central Oregon, many commercial air purifiers have sold out at stores around the region. But the Environmental Protection Agency says a do-it-yourself box-fan air cleaner can offer a more affordable, attainable way to reduce smoke particles indoors. The Oregon Department of
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CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuation orders continue to be issued across Central Oregon, it’s not just people who need a safe place to go. The Crook County and Deschutes County fairgrounds are providing temporary refuge for horses, livestock and other large animals displaced by the fires. Animals temporarily sheltered at the Crook
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild Central Oregon is once again stepping up to help out our local wildlife population. The nonprofit wildlife hospital says right now, wildfire season is affecting both people and wildlife across Central Oregon. As animals move to escape fire and smoke, we’re likely to see increased wildlife activity in unexpected places.
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